Strikethrough is a simple yet powerful text effect that draws a line through your words — perfect for marking completed tasks, editing drafts, or showing that something is no longer relevant.
You don’t have to dig through menus to apply it. Every major platform — Microsoft Office, Google Docs, and even Gmail — has quick keyboard shortcuts for it.
What Is Strikethrough?
Strikethrough adds a horizontal line across selected text. It’s often used to:
- Cross out completed items in a list
- Show edits in a document
- Highlight changes without deleting text
You can toggle it on or off using simple keyboard shortcuts — no mouse required.
Strikethrough Shortcuts in Microsoft Office
1. Microsoft Word
Word offers several ways to apply strikethrough, depending on your operating system.
On Windows:
- Select your text.
- Press Alt, H, 4 (tap each key in sequence).
- Alternative method: Press Ctrl + D to open the Font dialog box → press Alt + K → hit Enter.
On Mac:
- Select your text.
- Press Command + Shift + X.
Pressing the same shortcut again removes the effect.
2. Microsoft Excel
Excel uses one of the easiest shortcuts of all.
On Windows and Mac:
- Select your cell(s) or text inside a cell.
- Press Ctrl + 5.
This toggles strikethrough on and off instantly.
If you prefer menus, open the Format Cells dialog with Ctrl + 1, then tick Strikethrough under the Font tab.
3. Microsoft PowerPoint
PowerPoint also supports keyboard shortcuts, though they vary slightly by system.
On Windows:
- Select the text box or text you want to cross out.
- Press Alt, H, 4.
- Or open the Font dialog with Ctrl + T, then press Alt + K, and hit Enter.
On Mac:
- Select your text.
- Press Command + T, check Strikethrough, and click OK.
Like Word, pressing the shortcut again removes the line.
4. Microsoft Outlook (Desktop)
Outlook’s message editor uses the same font settings as Word.
On Windows:
- Highlight your text.
- Press Ctrl + D, then Alt + K, then Enter.
On Mac:
- Select your text.
- Press Command + T, tick Strikethrough, and click OK.
This is handy for marking corrections or edited sections in emails before sending.
Strikethrough in Google Workspace
Google Docs, Sheets, and Slides
Google’s web-based office suite keeps it simple.
On Windows:
- Select the text → press Alt + Shift + 5.
On Mac:
- Select the text → press Command + Shift + X.
The same shortcut removes strikethrough when used again.
Strikethrough in Gmail
Even Gmail supports strikethrough when composing messages.
Option 1: Shortcut
- Windows: Select text → press Alt + Shift + 5.
- Mac: Select text → press Command + Shift + X.
Option 2: Menu
- Highlight your text → click the Formatting (A) icon → choose Strikethrough from the list.
This works in both the classic and new Gmail interface.
Quick Reference Table
| Application | Windows Shortcut | Mac Shortcut | Alternate Method |
|---|---|---|---|
| Word | Alt, H, 4 / Ctrl + D → Alt + K → Enter | Command + Shift + X | Use Font dialog box |
| Excel | Ctrl + 5 | Ctrl + 5 | Ctrl + 1 → check Strikethrough |
| PowerPoint | Alt, H, 4 / Ctrl + T → Alt + K | Command + T → tick Strikethrough | Font dialog box |
| Outlook | Ctrl + D → Alt + K → Enter | Command + T → tick Strikethrough | Font dialog box |
| Google Docs / Sheets / Slides | Alt + Shift + 5 | Command + Shift + X | Format → Text → Strikethrough |
| Gmail | Alt + Shift + 5 | Command + Shift + X | Format (A icon) → Strikethrough |
A Few Extra Tips
- Always select your text first — shortcuts won’t work without selection.
- Ribbon shortcuts like Alt, H, 4 on Windows must be pressed in order, not held together.
- Ctrl + Spacebar in Word or PowerPoint removes all formatting, including strikethrough.
- On Macs, the Font dialog box (Command + T) gives you extra effects like Double Strikethrough, Superscript, or Small Caps.
Conclusion
Once you memorize these few shortcuts, applying strikethrough becomes second nature. Whether you’re editing a Word document, updating an Excel sheet, or writing an email, these quick key combos save time and make your workflow smoother.
A single shortcut — Alt + H + 4 on Windows or Command + Shift + X on Mac — can instantly clean up your text, mark finished items, or make revisions clear. Try them out once, and you’ll never go back to clicking menus again.